The Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, stated today that students and a large part of the academic community are disturbed by announcements that unrest may occur on Saturday, March 15, during the planned protest in Belgrade. Đokić emphasized that these warnings are not coming from the students participating in the blockade and urged everyone to ease tensions so that the protest could proceed peacefully and with dignity, just like the previous two protests in Kragujevac and Niš.
“We have a duty to address everyone, to try to defuse the situation, to reduce tensions, and to achieve what the students want – for the protest to be peaceful, safe, and free of conflicts, unwanted scenes, or incidents, which some groups and individuals may be hoping for,” Đokić said at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory.
He noted that public concern has arisen due to predictions of potential conflicts and unrest.
“We need to be reasonable and conduct ourselves with dignity on that day,” he reiterated.
— Lejdi Azra (@LAzra2037) March 13, 2025
Đokić pointed out that protests had already taken place in Kragujevac and Niš, and at no point did students plan any disturbances.
“Not a single gathering has involved students calling for violence. The same is true in Belgrade—they want to carry out their initiatives peacefully and work towards a better society. Statements about violence are harmful and misrepresent the students and their true intentions. It is not right to address students in this way. They have always insisted on peaceful solutions, and that is a fact,” the rector stated.
He also emphasized that the academic community stands behind its students. “And not only in Belgrade, but also in other cities where faculties are under blockade,” Đokić concluded.
MORE TOPICS:
LOVE AND BETRAYAL LED HIM TO THE BLUE TOMB: The tragic end of Vladislav Petković Dis!
Source: N1, Foto: Printscreen N1